- ▸ Flame retardant and plasticizer for cellulose esters, synthetic rubber, and vinyl resins
- ▸ Leveling and antifoam aid in floor polishes and water-based coatings
- ▸ Processing aid and viscosity modifier in plastics compounding
A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.
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Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBEP) is a butoxyethyl phosphate best known as the leveling agent and plasticizer in floor polishes and coatings, with anti-foam and flame-retardant-phosphate roles as well. Identity: CAS 78-51-3.
What it is
Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (CAS 78-51-3) is a trialkyl(oxy) phosphate liquid. Its butoxyethyl groups give surfactant-like leveling behavior in addition to plasticization.
How it performs in fire
It plasticizes and levels emulsion films, defoams, and contributes phosphorus for fire performance. In floor-care it is the classic leveling/coalescing agent that gives a smooth, durable film.
Applications
TBEP is used as a leveling agent, plasticizer and anti-foam in floor polishes, emulsion coatings and finishes, and as an FR-contributing phosphate. Compare TBP (anti-foam/solvent) and TOF (plasticizer).
Forms, grades and handling
TBEP is supplied as a clear liquid in drums, IBCs and bulk. Properties are typical reference values; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot you buy governs. Handle per the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS), and confirm regulatory status and restrictions for your market and end use — flame-retardant regulation evolves. Each lot ships with CoA, TDS and SDS.
Bulk supply and RFQ
RawSource sources Tris direct from producers in bulk, with CoA, TDS and SDS per lot. Tell us your polymer or system, the fire test you must pass, your maximum loading, and whether the application must be halogen-free, and we will quote the right grade. See the full range and selection logic in the flame retardants guide.
Typical Properties
Typical reference values, not a specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot governs.
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical / class | Leveling agent / plasticizer / FR phosphate |
| Flame-retardant type | Trialkyl(oxy) phosphate |
| Role in fire performance | Plasticizer / leveling; phosphorus contribution |
| CAS Number | 78-51-3 |
| Molecular Formula | C18H39O7P |
| Molecular Weight | 398.5 g/mol |
| Handling | Refer to the current SDS |
Regulatory & registration requirements
- TSCA (US):
- REACH (EU):
- EC number: 201-122-9
Source: EPA TSCA Inventory (July 2025 release) · ECHA CHEM — retrieved 2026-07-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBEP) used for?
Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (CAS 78-51-3) is a butoxyethyl phosphate used as a leveling agent and plasticizer in floor polishes and emulsion coatings, as an anti-foam, and as a flame-retardant-contributing phosphate.
How is bulk tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate supplied and quoted?
RawSource supplies tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate in bulk with CoA, TDS and SDS per lot. Pricing is quote-based on grade and volume; submit an RFQ with your target quantity, polymer/system and the fire test you must pass.
What is the REACH and TSCA regulatory status of Tris(2-Butoxyethyl) Phosphate?
Tris(2-Butoxyethyl) Phosphate (CAS 78-51-3) is subject to U.S. TSCA Inventory requirements; supplying it into the EU requires valid REACH registration ((EC) No 1907/2006). RawSource cannot verify a third-party supplier's registrations — buyers should require documented TSCA and REACH compliance for their jurisdiction and volume (EC 201-122-9).